The programme will feature heritage rallies, cultural events, exhibitions and civic initiatives, with DSCC urging residents to take greater responsibility for keeping the capital clean and green.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Photo: Collected
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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Photo: Collected
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a month-long celebration marking Dhaka’s 416th anniversary at Lalbagh Fort on 29 August, as Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) seeks to highlight the capital’s history, heritage and civic identity through a series of citywide events.
The prime minister will inaugurate the ‘Hridoye Dhaka 416’ festival at 4pm, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban today (13 August).
“The prime minister has kindly consented to attend the ‘Hridoye Dhaka 416’ festival,” he said.
The DSCC has planned a range of events, including a heritage cycling rally, heritage run, theatre festival, boat race, heritage cruise, traditional procession, kite festival and exhibitions on Dhaka’s history, books, young innovators and the traditional food of Old Dhaka.
A ‘Love Letter to Dhaka’ programme and ‘The Great Dhaka Sale’ will run from 21 to 30 August, while Bangladesh Television will broadcast programmes featuring Old Dhaka from 23 to 29 August.
The celebration will continue until 5 September, concluding with a ‘Panchayeti Adda’ at Alamganj Jetty.
According to Abdus Salam, Dhaka became the capital of Subah Bengal in 1610, while the establishment of the Dhaka Municipality on 1 August 1864 marked the beginning of modern urban administration.
The DSCC has designated 1 August as ‘Dhaka Day’ to commemorate the city’s history.
Beyond celebrating Dhaka’s heritage, the programme will also carry a civic message, with Abdus Salam urging residents to take greater responsibility for keeping the city clean and protecting its environment.
“Dhaka should not be seen merely as a place to live; city residents must consider it their own city and their own home,” he said.
Highlighting Dhaka’s air pollution, he said the capital’s position among the world’s most polluted cities was “not a matter of pride”.
The DSCC aims to build a clean, green, smart and citizen-friendly capital while preserving Dhaka’s historical and cultural character, he added.
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